Numbering Our Days

Time never ceases to amaze me with its swift passage. This realization often strikes as I watch my nieces become mothers and see their children grow up. Time feels like a relentless train moving towards the future, and I often find myself scrambling to catch up. I yearn for life to slow down, but the train keeps moving forward. Such thoughts are wishful thinking because the earth continues its unceasing spin on its axis, swirling through the universe. Each rotation marks the passage of time, every fleeting millisecond.

The Bible beautifully captures this sentiment in Psalms 90:12 (NIV): “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

What does it mean to “number our days”? It means focusing on what truly matters, using our time wisely, and living intentionally.

Focus on What Truly Matters

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my life came to a halt. At the threshold of my career, having just moved into a new place with new roommates and started a full-time job at a payroll firm, I received a call from my father that changed everything. My world began to crumble as I faced a heartbreaking dilemma: should I go home or stay in LA to build my career?

In that moment, I realized that my time with my mother was limited and infinitely precious. The importance of spending those last moments with her far outweighed any career advancement. I hoped and prayed that her illness was just a bump on the journey, not the end.

Use Your Time Wisely

Every millisecond is a gift, and once a moment passes, it’s gone forever. Recognizing the fleeting nature of time drives us to use it wisely, ensuring we focus on what truly matters and make the most of every opportunity. This involves identifying our top priorities and setting clear, achievable goals that align with them. By planning our day and employing effective time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking, we can maintain productivity and prevent burnout. Minimizing distractions and creating a conducive environment for concentration further enhances our ability to use time effectively. Delegating tasks and outsourcing when possible allows us to focus on activities that require our expertise and passion. Continuous learning and regular reflection on our time management strategies help us improve and adapt. Prioritizing self-care and scheduling downtime are essential to prevent burnout and maintain motivation. Embracing flexibility and managing stress when plans change ensure we remain resilient and focused. Ultimately, using our time wisely is about creating a balanced, fulfilling life where we cherish each moment and live with purpose and intention.

Live Intentionally

Living intentionally means making conscious choices about how we spend our time. It involves prioritizing what truly matters and being present in each moment. By focusing on our values and goals, we can ensure that our actions align with our deepest beliefs and aspirations. This approach encourages us to cherish our time and make the most of every opportunity. It’s about recognizing the fleeting nature of life and choosing to invest our energy in meaningful activities. My hope is that we can all embrace this mindset, focusing on what is important and living each day with purpose. By doing so, we create a life that is fulfilling and rich with intentional experiences. Each moment becomes an opportunity to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level. Living intentionally transforms our everyday routines into a journey of growth and satisfaction. Ultimately, it allows us to lead a life that reflects our true essence and values.

Time is a precious gift. Let’s cherish it, use it wisely, and live each day with intention and purpose.

Soul Insights

Here are three self-assessment questions that can help you reflect on your use of time and focus on what truly matters:

Are my daily activities aligned with my core values and long-term goals?

Reflect on whether your everyday actions and decisions are contributing to what you value most and what you want to achieve in the long run.

How often do I take time to appreciate and be present in the moment?

Consider how frequently you pause to enjoy the present, rather than rushing through life or being preoccupied with the past or future.

What adjustments can I make to ensure I am using my time wisely and intentionally?

Identify specific changes you can implement to improve your time management and ensure you are living a life aligned with your values and priorities.

Soul Path Insights